Spatial and temporal variability of heavy metals in streams of the Flint Creek and Flint River Watersheds from non-point sources

Abstract. Throughout the United States, non-point pollution is responsible for large quantities of heavy metals entering bodies of water. Pollution as a result of heavy metals can impact drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and aquatic species. Presence of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr), in surface water may pose great risks to human health as well as to aquatic animals. In order to understand water quality changes due to heavy metal elements and pH as a result of spatial and temporal variability and land use/land cover changes, there is a need to monitor water bodies on a constant basis. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the impacts of spatial and temporal variability on heavy metals and pH as a result of land use/land cover changes and provide a baseline for future water quality study from non-point sources in two watersheds. Spatial and temporal variability factors were not significant for all the heavy metal elements. Significant water quality changes occurred between 2003 and 2004 for the two of the five heavy metals (Pb, and Ni) and pH. However, this was not true for the other of heavy metals investigated (Cd, Cr, and Zn). There was no influence of watershed observed for any of the heavy metals and pH in this study. To accurately quantify environmental impacts of heavy metals as well as pH, land use changes, and natural processes leading to spatial and temporal variability of water quality variables, continuous monitoring of surface water is necessary to improve the water quality of these watersheds.